Mitchell earns a place in ACT-NSW Country Under 17s squad

THE NEXT STAGE: Ben Mitchell has earned a spot in the ACT-NSW Under 17s cricket squad. Photo: PHIL BLATCH

AN already impressive resume of cricket achievements just grew longer for Bathurst’s Ben Mitchell after he was named in the ACT-NSW Country Under 17s squad.

Mitchell is one of 21 players, and three Western boys, named in the squad for this year’s Under 17s National Cricket Championships in Brisbane.

All-round threat Mitchell is joined by Australian Under 16s representative Brock Larance (Dubbo) and St Pat’s Old Boys teammate Tanvir Singh (Lithgow).

“There’s a lot of talent going around in this team. I didn’t go to the State Challenge so I’m not too familiar with everyone but we’ve got training coming up so I’ll be able to have a look then,” Mitchell said.

“Country are going to have a very good team together. I’m really looking forward to it.”

A wonderful all-round season of cricket from the Pat’s and St Stanislaus’ College player contributed to his selection.

Mitchell came up just shy of his first Bathurst District Cricket Association first grade century (91), enjoyed a strong all-round campaign at the Bradman Cup (seven wickets at 13.6, 111 runs at 55.5) and hit a 73 for the Bathurst colts team.

He gained a start for Bathurst in Western Zone Premier League and smashed a vicious 169 runs for Stannies in their round game against eventual ISA champions St Patrick’s College.

It’s a great collection of results but with the large pool of talent in the age group Mitchell wasn’t certain he’d make the cut.

“I thought I might have been a shot but I wasn’t too sure,” he said.

“I had an alright Bradman Cup but there’s so many good cricketers there. I didn’t know whether I’d get in or not but I’m really happy to make it.

“Getting that 170 at St Pat’s was really cool and getting into the grand final with my school was great. I enjoyed the school cricket this year and I’m looking forward to heading away now. It should be really fun.”

Mitchell’s first training sessions with the squad will be over June 9 and 10.

Western have also gained a strong foothold in the Under 19s squad. Tom Atlee, Marty Jeffrey, Henry Railz and Hamish Starr.

The positive results for Western cricket continued in the women’s selections, with four players picked across 17s and 19s.